From spells to cells: Zambian court sentences witchdoctors for plot to harm president
The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has sentenced two witchdoctors to two years and six months’ imprisonment with hard labour after they were found guilty of possessing charms and practising witchcraft in a plot to harm President Hakainde Hichilema, The Daily Star Zambia has reported.
The convicts, 43-year-old Leonard Phiri of Sinda and 42-year-old Mozambican national Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, were arrested in December last year.
According to the news outlet, the court heard that their mission was to attack the head of state within five days.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Fine Mayambu reportedly said the plan, if successful, would have caused economic losses for Zambia and serious consequences for its citizens.
He added that although both men were first-time offenders, their intention was nothing but to kill, making a custodial sentence unavoidable.
The pair were handed 24 months on the first count and six months on the second, to run concurrently.
Evidence presented by police included a video in which Phiri explained that the tail of a chameleon, combined with other concoctions, could be used to kill a person.
The court ruled the duo had been aware of the purpose of their actions from the outset.
IOL News